According to a new report from The Vision Council based on a survey of 1,089 US adults, tired, dry, or watery eyes after screen time are common, but many adults don't know what causes them or that an eyecare provider can help. 

Among the findings in Focused inSights 2026: Dry Eye and Digital Eye Strain, 78% of respondents experienced eye fatigue after screen use at least once in the past 3 months. In addition, 63% had never heard of digital eye strain or knew only its name, with half saying the same of dry eye disease. Among respondents with symptoms, 39% had never raised them with a health care professional.

When patients do seek help, eyecare providers play a central role. Eye doctors were respondents' top source of information about managing symptoms (40%), and a recommendation from an eye doctor was the single most important factor when choosing products to treat their symptoms (38%).

"Most people in our survey recognize the symptoms of dry eye and digital eye strain, but many don't know what's causing them or that an eyecare provider can help," said Kris Stevens, vice president of research at The Vision Council. "Patients already trust their eye doctor more than any other source. The data suggest the most important step is simply starting the conversation during exams that are already happening."

The Vision Council will share the report with attendees at Academy 2026 Anaheim, the American Academy of Optometry's annual meeting, which is being held Sept. 30–Oct. 3, at the Anaheim Convention Center. OM